{"id":10424,"date":"2025-05-16T11:16:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T04:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/?p=10424"},"modified":"2025-12-05T11:20:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T04:20:42","slug":"proactively-building-a-resilient-community-to-overcome-natural-disaster-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/news\/proactively-building-a-resilient-community-to-overcome-natural-disaster-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"Proactively building a resilient community to overcome natural disaster challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><em>Natural disasters have become increasingly complex and unpredictable, from storms, floods, and squalls to landslides and earthquakes. These hazards not only cause severe losses of lives and property but also leave long-term impacts on mental well-being, livelihoods, and sustainable development. In this context, UEH responds to the 2025 National Week for Disaster Prevention and Control under the theme \u201cResilient Communities, Disaster Adaptation\u201d, aiming to raise awareness and equip every UEHer with essential preparedness skills. Taking proactive action is how each of us protects ourselves, our families, and contributes to safeguarding the wider community.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Understanding natural disasters and high-risk areas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense worldwide over the past decade. Rapid population growth, urbanisation, environmental degradation, and climate change are major drivers behind prolonged heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, floods, and tropical storms that occur with greater severity and unpredictability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vietnam, due to the geography and tropical monsoon climate, is one of the countries most exposed to natural disasters, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Meteorological disasters (extreme weather):<\/em><\/strong> storms, tropical depressions, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms with lightning, hail, heatwaves, cold spells, and frost.<\/li><li><strong><em>Hydrological disasters (river or rainfall-related):<\/em><\/strong> floods, flash floods, saline intrusion.<\/li><li><strong><em>Geological disasters:<\/em><\/strong> earthquakes, landslides.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam recorded significant and unusual damage. As reported by <a href=\"https:\/\/thiennhienmoitruong.vn\/chi-trong-quy-i-2025-thien-tai-gay-thiet-hai-hon-116-ty-dong.html\">The Journal of Nature &amp; Environment<\/a>, hundreds of homes were destroyed, and thousands of hectares of crops were inundated or damaged, resulting in an estimated loss of VND 116.7 billion. Among the most frequent and destructive disasters were hail, thunderstorms, lightning, storms, and flooding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Hail, thunderstorms, and lightning<\/em><\/strong> typically occur between March and May, particularly in mountainous and coastal areas with hot, humid conditions. These phenomena are sudden and often accompanied by strong winds and hail, posing risks to communities and property.<\/li><li><strong><em>Storms <\/em><\/strong>bring strong winds, heavy rain, and severe squalls. Vietnam typically experiences 7-8 storms per year, with some years reaching 11-12, primarily affecting coastal provinces in Central Vietnam from Thanh Hoa to Binh Dinh.<\/li><li><strong><em>Flooding<\/em><\/strong> occurs mainly in Central Vietnam and low-lying areas of North Central and South Central regions during September and October, caused by prolonged rain, storms, tidal surges, or upstream floods. Dense construction, weakened drainage systems, and climate change further exacerbate flooding risks.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to respond to natural disasters effectively<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While natural disasters are inherently unpredictable, thorough preparation and scientific response can significantly reduce risks and losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Prepare early, stay ready<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Equip yourself with knowledge and reliable information through credible platforms such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/mini.zalo.me\/apps\/2425280099756812786\/\">\u201cVietnam Disaster Prevention\u201d<\/a> Mini App or the official Disaster Prevention App (available on <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.softech.pctt&amp;hl=vi\">CH Play<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/vn\/app\/pctt\/id1453138072?l=vi\">App Store<\/a>), developed by the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control in collaboration with UNICEF. The application also provides a skill set section offering detailed guidance for various disaster types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"645\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-6.png 645w, https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-6-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Millions of disaster-prevention and early-warning messages have been promptly delivered to communities<\/em>. <em>Source: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/suckhoedoisong.vn\/ra-mat-ung-dung-phong-chong-thien-tai-tren-zalo-169230716144203248.htm\"><em>Health &amp; Lifestyle<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond knowledge, readiness is a key. Areas in high-risk areas should maintain connection with local authorities, prepare emergency supplies, reinforce homes, identify safe shelters, and evacuate when necessary. Essential items such as drinking water, food, medicine, and survival tools should be stored to last at least seven days. Above all, strict compliance with guidance from competent authorities ensures safety for individuals and the community. Specific response measures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Storms, tropical depressions, floods, and landslides<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These disasters occur suddenly and cause severe damage, especially in coastal, riverside, mountainous, and midland regions. Essential measures include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Evacuate immediately from danger zones when instructed, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.<\/li><li>Fisherfolk should bring boats, cages, and aquaculture equipment to safe shelters and avoid going to sea during storm warnings.<\/li><li>Reinforce homes, secure windows and roofs, and store important documents and valuables in elevated, safe places.<\/li><li>Avoid deep water, landslide-prone areas, and fast-flowing currents. Limit mobility and never attempt to cross flooded streams.<\/li><li>Maintain communication with authorities; contact local rescue teams in emergencies.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Drought and saltwater intrusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prolonged droughts and saltwater intrusion have become increasingly severe due to climate change, especially in the coastal provinces of the South Central region and the Mekong Delta. As freshwater becomes scarce, it not only affects daily living but also causes major losses in agriculture, aquaculture, and the livelihoods of millions of people. To reduce the impacts, communities can take the following measures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>During drought or when water sources are salinized, people should use water sparingly, especially clean water for drinking and domestic use.<\/li><li>Prioritize storing rainwater and freshwater in clean containers. For cultivation, choose short-duration or drought-tolerant crops.<\/li><li>Avoid excessive or uncontrolled irrigation to prevent waste. Follow local authorities\u2019 guidance on water intake schedules and the operation of irrigation systems.<\/li><li>Monitor salinity levels to collect freshwater at the right time, protecting both crops and daily needs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Extreme cold<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Severe cold spells are extreme weather events that typically occur during winter, especially in northern mountainous provinces. Prolonged periods of low temperatures affect the health of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, and cause significant damage to agricultural production, livestock, and crops. Recommended measures include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Keep warm, especially for the elderly and young children. Dress warmly and maintain proper nutrition to strengthen immunity.<\/li><li>For livestock, reinforce shelters, provide additional food and warm water, and avoid letting animals out early in the morning or late at night when temperatures are lowest.<\/li><li>Protect crops by covering them with plastic sheets or appropriate materials to reduce frost damage.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Earthquakes and tsunamis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although earthquakes are not common in Vietnam, some areas may occasionally be affected by tremors, particularly in the Northwest, North Central region, and coastal zones. Important skills and safety actions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Seek shelter under sturdy tables or in reinforced corners, stay away from glass, cabinets, and unsecured items.<\/li><li>If living near the coast and a tsunami warning is issued, evacuate to higher ground immediately and avoid gathering near the shoreline or ports.<\/li><li>After a disaster, if your home is damaged or unsafe, temporarily stay in designated shelters where you can receive food, water, and medical assistance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Heatwaves, tornadoes, lightning, hail, strong winds at sea, fog, wildfires, and other Natural Hazards: <\/strong>Depending on forecasts, warnings, and the actual development of each hazard, communities should proactively apply appropriate measures tailored to each specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Post-disaster recovery<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Post-disaster recovery plays a crucial role in rebuilding and supporting long-term community resilience. When returning home, carefully check electrical and water systems before use to avoid electrical leakage, fire hazards, or water contamination. Inspect floors, doors, windows, and walls for cracks or structural damage to ensure the house is safe to inhabit. Cleaning, disinfecting living spaces, and properly disposing of waste are also essential to prevent disease outbreaks and protect public health after disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>From response to adaptation: Building sustainable communities<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schools and universities play a vital role in spreading knowledge, fostering preparedness, and building safe, resilient learning environments against natural disasters and climate change. As part of this commitment, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has continuously taken the lead in academic initiatives, research projects, sustainability programs, workshops, and national and international studies on sustainable development, environment, and climate change, while also proposing policies that support local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UEH also regularly implements policies and assistance programs for students affected by natural disasters. Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh, President of UEH, shared: \u201cUnderstanding and empathizing with the difficulties faced by learners and their families in disaster-affected areas, UEH is committed to standing by our students so that no one is left behind. Through meaningful support policies, we encourage students to stay resilient, continue their studies, and confidently pursue their journey of knowledge and personal development. With determination and adaptive capacity, every learner becomes a key contributor to building a sustainable community and shaping the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-7.png 800w, https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-7-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-7-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-7-540x360.png 540w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-8.png 800w, https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-8-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-8-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-8-540x360.png 540w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>UEH frequently organizes conferences and research programs on sustainability, environment, and climate change at both national and international levels.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>With the theme \u201cSustainable communities, climate-resilient futures\u201d, the 2025 National Week once again affirms that adaptation is no longer the final option after disasters occur. It must become a core capability, strengthened through education, technology, local knowledge, and interdisciplinary cooperation. This empowers communities not only to minimize losses but also to recover more quickly and enhance resilience for the future. When each individual understands, acts responsibly, and stays ready to support one another, we can protect ourselves, reduce damage, and build communities that are capable of preventing, responding to, and most importantly, proactively adapting to natural disasters.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\"><strong><em>News, photos: <\/em><\/strong><em>Department of Student Affairs (DSA)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Natural disasters have become increasingly complex and unpredictable, from storms, floods, and squalls to landslides&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":10425,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10424"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10424"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10428,"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10424\/revisions\/10428"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dsa.ueh.edu.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}